VNY’s main runway closes for improvement work

VAN NUYS, Calif. — A 24-hour, 10-day closure of Van Nuys Airport’s 8,000-foot primary runway, 16R/34L, has begun as part of the final phase of a $20.5 million improvement project that began last February.

The closure began July 16, at 10 p.m., to prepare the runway for work that will officially commence on July 17 at 12:01 a.m. This project phase will conclude on July 26 at 11:59 p.m.

New blast fence

Construction work will include asphalt milling and paving of more than 4,000 feet of the runway’s center section. VNY’s 4,000-foot parallel runway, 16L/34R, will operate normally and continue to close nightly between the hours of 10:45 p.m. to 6 a.m.

“A combination of asphalt overlay and partial reconstruction has been carefully phased to minimize the time VNY’s main runway is closed or shortened during improvement work,” said Jess Romo, VNY airport manager. “Since runway 16R handles the majority of jet operations, this project requires extremely careful and creative phasing to minimize impacts on airport users and operators to the fullest extent possible.”

Scheduled for completion in late August 2013, runway improvements are designed to meet current FAA design standards, improve existing run-up and concrete pavement areas, and ensure a minimum 20-year runway lifespan. To date, work on the runway’s north and south sections has been completed, including:

Improvements and installation of a new blast fence at the run-up area;

Repairs to existing concrete runway ends;

Repair and expansion of concrete shoulder pavements;

High-speed exit light modifications; and

New in-pavement approach lighting.

Following work on the runway’s center section, the project will conclude with final shoulder work, edge light installation, and new pavement markings and runway striping.

Due to construction activities during the 10-day closure period, several connector taxiways will be closed and unavailable for use. Pilots are advised to check official FAA Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) or contact Van Nuys Airport Operations at 818-442-6506 with any questions.

Updated construction alerts are available at LAWA.org and 818-442-6556.

The public will have an opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look at VNY and its newly improved runway at a free Community Day event scheduled for Aug. 31 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more details and to make reservations for free guided airfield bus tours, visit www.vny85.eventbrite.com.

VNY is one of three airports owned and operated by Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), a self-supporting branch of the City of Los Angeles, governed by a seven-member Board of Airport Commissioners who are appointed by the mayor and approved by the Los Angeles City Council.

One of the world’s busiest general aviation airports, VNY had over 260,000 operations in 2012. More than 100 businesses are located on the 730-acre airport, including five FBOs and numerous aviation service companies.

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